Eight Surprising Facts about Mad Honey

A Personal Story from Our Latest Harvest

During our last harvest in May, something interesting happened. One of our team members, Prashant, consumed a large amount of freshly collected mad honey, driven by excitement. Soon, he was dazed, and three of us had to carry him to our homestay. He regained consciousness the next morning. This experience is not uncommon when someone consumes a high dose of potent mad honey. However, such extreme effects are less likely if it's medicinal honey.

The intensity of mad honey's effects depends on how sensitive you are to the toxins and how much you consume. Many people buy mad honey for its hallucinogenic properties, seeking its psychoactive effects, which come from rhododendron flowers. But there's more to this honey than meets the eye. Here are 8 surprising facts about mad honey:

1. Mad Honey – A Toxic Temptation

Did you know the name Mad Honey comes from the intense effects it has on people when consumed in large quantities? The main ingredient responsible for this is grayanotoxin, which affects sodium channels in your body. This can lead to psychoactive effects, including feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and numbness. However, in larger doses, it can become dangerous, causing symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or even hallucinations.

2. A Natural Boost for a Healthy Lifestyle

Mad honey isn’t just a recreational substance—it also has powerful medicinal properties. Traditionally, people have used it to treat a wide range of health issues, including hypertension, indigestion, arthritis, and flu. Regular, moderate consumption can even lower the risk of heart disease and enhance athletic performance. When taken in the right dose, mad honey can truly be a natural health booster.

3. Death-Defying Harvesting Techniques

Harvesting mad honey in Nepal is a dangerous process. It’s collected from beehives located on steep cliffs as high as 3,500 meters above sea level. The honey is gathered by members of the Gurung tribe, who climb these treacherous cliffs using nothing but braided bamboo ropes and minimal safety gear. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, and some honey hunters lose their lives. This risky harvesting method is part of what makes mad honey so rare and valuable.

4. A Natural Aphrodisiac

Yes, it’s true—mad honey is known as a natural aphrodisiac. Often referred to as a "love drug," it can help enhance your mood and increase sexual desire, creating the perfect atmosphere for intimacy. It helps put you in a relaxed and positive state, which can improve your relationships and increase desire.

5. The Most Potent Harvest Season

The potency of mad honey depends heavily on when it is harvested. The most potent honey comes during the rhododendron blooming season, which occurs in late spring (March-April). Honey collected in late autumn (September-November) is generally less potent and has more medicinal properties. The grayanotoxin that causes the psychoactive effects is found in rhododendron flowers, which means honey collected in the spring is the most powerful.

6. Mad Honey Lasts Forever

One of the most remarkable things about mad honey is that it doesn’t expire! As long as it’s stored properly, away from moisture, it will last indefinitely. This is due to its low water content and high acidity, which prevent bacteria from growing. However, the potency of mad honey begins to fade after 6-7 months, transforming it into medicinal honey over time. Even after years, the worst that can happen is that the honey crystallizes, but it remains safe to consume.

7. Mad Honey for Glowing Skin

If you’re into skincare, mad honey might just be your new best friend. It has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that help regenerate skin tissue, fight fine lines and wrinkles, and leave your skin smoother and plumper. If you’re looking for a natural way to achieve that glowing, glass-skin look, mad honey is an excellent option.

8. The Importance of Protecting Wild Honey Hunting

Wild honey hunting has been a tradition in indigenous communities for thousands of years. Unfortunately, this practice is now in decline. One of the main issues is the lack of recognition and fair compensation for the honey hunters who risk their lives to keep this tradition alive. Overharvesting due to high demand is also threatening honeybee populations. To preserve this practice and protect local ecosystems, collaborative efforts from governments, local communities, and conservation organizations are essential.

A Word of Caution

Please exercise caution when consuming mad honey, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. It’s crucial to keep this honey out of reach of children. If you want to give honey to your child, regular honey is a safer option, as wild honey can be dangerous. Always consult with your doctor before consuming mad honey if you have any health concerns.

Finally, be smart and only purchase mad honey from reputable sources. To learn how to verify its authenticity, read our guide: How to Check the Authenticity of Mad Honey. And don't forget to check out our most potent collection from the latest harvest: Mad Collection.